Pros and Cons of Moving to a Cold State

Introduction

There are a lot of perks of moving to a cold state. However, it’s quite literal and true for one to say that it’s not all “sunshine and rainbows” in this case.

There are some cons, some caveats, and some considerations that you have to keep in mind.

If you are thinking of moving somewhere cold and icy (Alaska? Is that you?), going through this guide will be quite helpful.

Let’s start looking at the pros and cons right away without any further ado.

Breakdown of Pros and Cons of Moving to a Cold State | Overview Table

Here is a table that we’ve prepared to show the pros and cons in a neat table form. We will mention them all briefly here and then delve into them in more detail.

Details time!

Pros of Moving to a Cold State

1. Natural Beauty and Seasonal Appeal

One of the major perks of moving to a cold state is the natural beauty and appeal.

Snow can cover up a lot of unsightly things in a landscape. Ruts on the side of the road, littered debris, dead trees, etc., can all be covered with a majestic white layer, making the not-so-scenic things quite visually appealing.

I could be a tad poetic and make a list of the pretty things that you’d find in a cold state, laden with snow:

• Snow-covered pine trees
• Frozen lakes with pale blue ice
• Distant mountains outlined in white
• Wooden cabins with warm glowing windows
• Snow-dusted rooftops in small towns
• Old stone bridges lightly coated in snow
• Animal tracks across fresh snow
• Red berries on bare branches
• Icicles catching winter light
• Streetlamps glowing through snowfall
• Fading footprints on quiet paths
• Winding forest roads softened by snow

2. Fewer Pests and Insects

Another underrated benefit of living in a colder state is the dramatic drop in pests and insects. Long winters and freezing temperatures make it difficult for many bugs to survive year-round, which keeps populations low once warmer months arrive.

This can mean fewer mosquitoes buzzing around in summer. Fewer ticks hiding in tall grass. Less concern about ants, roaches, or other insects finding their way indoors. For people who spend time outside or have pets, this alone can feel like a major quality of life improvement.

Colder climates do not eliminate insects entirely. They simply keep them in check. For many people, that balance makes everyday life a little more comfortable.

3. Potential Health Benefits Like Better Sleep and Increased Calorie Burn

Living in a colder climate can come with some subtle health benefits that people do not always expect. Cooler temperatures often support deeper, more consistent sleep, especially for those who struggle in warm or humid environments.

Cold air can also encourage the body to burn more calories as it works to maintain its internal temperature.

There are a few ways this can show up in daily life.

• Cooler nights that promote better sleep quality
• Increased calorie burn from natural thermoregulation
• More frequent movement from winter activities like walking, shoveling, or hiking
• Reduced heat-related fatigue during workouts
• Improved comfort for people who sleep better in colder rooms

These benefits vary from person to person. Still, for many people, colder weather supports healthier routines without much extra effort.

4. Less Pollen, Less Allergies

Pollen is a fine powder released by trees, grasses, and weeds as part of their reproduction cycle. It travels through the air easily. When inhaled, it can trigger allergic reactions in people who are sensitive to it.

Allergies happen when the immune system overreacts to pollen. The body treats it like a threat, releasing histamines that cause sneezing, itchy eyes, congestion, headaches, and fatigue. For some people, this lasts months at a time.

In colder climates, pollen levels drop significantly. Winter temperatures stop most plants from producing pollen. Snow covers the ground. Trees and grasses go dormant. With fewer airborne particles, the air stays clearer for longer stretches of the year.

This shift can make a noticeable difference in daily life:

• Fewer allergy flare ups throughout the year
• Less dependence on allergy medication
• Clearer breathing during outdoor activities
• Improved sleep without congestion
• More comfortable mornings and evenings

For allergy sufferers, this can feel life-changing. Even people with mild seasonal allergies often notice how much easier it is to breathe when pollen is no longer part of the air they inhale every day.

5. Less Crowding and a Quieter, Slower Pace of Life

One of the most noticeable changes when moving to a colder state is the reduced sense of crowding. Long winters naturally limit constant movement and large-scale development, which means fewer people competing for space, attention, and time.

With a slower pace of life, you can:

• Move through daily errands without feeling rushed or overstimulated
• Experience lighter traffic and less congestion in public spaces
• Enjoy quieter evenings and more predictable routines
• Plan ahead more easily without constant time pressure
• Spend time outdoors or at home without crowds

Possible Savings When Moving or Buying During Off Season Months

Moving to or buying property in a colder state can come with financial advantages, especially when the timing lines up with the off-season.

Winter is typically slower for real estate, rentals, and moving services. Demand drops. Sellers and service providers are often more flexible, which can translate into real savings rather than small discounts. For those considering relocation, the off-season is a practical time to evaluate moving services without the pressure of peak demand

Here is how those savings often show up in practical ways

Cons of Moving to a Cold State

And with that, we’re done with the pros. Let’s move on to the cons of moving to a cold state.

1. Hazardous Driving Due to Snow, Rain, and Ice

One of the most immediate downsides of living in a cold state is how winter weather affects driving. Snowfall can reduce visibility and hide road markings. Ice forms quickly and often invisibly. Freezing rain is especially dangerous, coating roads with a thin, slick layer that offers little traction.

Even a well-maintained road can become dangerous in a few minutes. There’s no predictability of what can happen. What might be a gentle snowfall can insidiously turn treacherous in the form of sleet on the roads.

This can lead to daily challenges, such as

• Longer and less predictable commutes
• Increased risk of accidents and vehicle damage
• Stressful driving conditions, especially in the dark
• More time spent clearing snow and ice from vehicles
• Greater wear on tires, brakes, and suspension

If you are moving to a state where driving long distances is necessary, such as Alaska or North Dakota, this con is something that you should keep in mind.

While many residents adapt and drive confidently in winter, the added risk never fully disappears.

2. Higher heating and utility costs

Another drawback of living in a cold climate is the increased cost of keeping a home warm. Long winters require consistent heating, often for months at a time. As temperatures drop, furnaces, boilers, and space heaters run longer and harder to maintain comfort.

These demands extend beyond heating alone. Shorter days increase electricity use for lighting. Older or poorly insulated homes can lose heat quickly, driving bills even higher during peak winter months.

This often results in

• Higher monthly heating bills during winter
• Increased electricity usage from lighting and appliances
• Greater reliance on natural gas, oil, or propane
• Additional costs for insulation, weatherproofing, and maintenance

While energy-efficient homes and smart upgrades can reduce the impact, cold-weather living almost always comes with higher utility costs. It is a practical trade-off that should be weighed alongside the benefits of colder climates.

3. Shorter Days and Limited Sunlight

Another challenge of living in a cold state is the lack of daylight during winter months. Days grow noticeably shorter, and sunlight can feel scarce for long stretches.

In some places, the difference is dramatic. Northern Alaska can see only a few hours of daylight in winter, with some regions experiencing weeks of near darkness. States like Minnesota and Maine often drop to around eight or nine hours of daylight at the winter peak.

This reduction can affect mood, energy levels, and daily routines. People spend more time indoors. Outdoor activities shrink. For those sensitive to light changes, the long, dark season can feel heavier than the cold itself.

Here is a table that we’ve created that shows various cities in the colder US states along with their respective daytime hours:

4. Risk of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

Shorter days and limited sunlight can affect more than just daily routines. For some people, the emotional impact of long winters becomes a real challenge.

Seasonal Affective Disorder, often called SAD, is a type of depression linked to changes in seasons, most commonly beginning in late fall or winter when daylight hours decrease. It is believed to be connected to reduced sunlight, which can disrupt circadian rhythms and lower serotonin levels. This may lead to low energy, mood changes, difficulty concentrating, and a general sense of heaviness that fades when daylight returns.

While SAD can be serious, it is also manageable. Light therapy, vitamin D, regular movement, and staying socially connected can make a meaningful difference.

For many people, awareness and small adjustments are enough to stay balanced, making winter a challenge to work with rather than something to fear.

It’s simply something to keep in mind and to consider as a potential downside before you make your move.

5. Cost of Winter Clothing, Gear, and Snow Tires

Living in a cold state often means preparing for winter beyond just turning up the heat. Staying safe and comfortable requires specific clothing and equipment designed for snow, ice, and freezing temperatures. These purchases are usually upfront costs, but they add up quickly, especially for people new to cold weather living.

Here are some items you will typically need, along with common price ranges

• Winter coat, insulated and weather resistant, often $150 to $400
• Snow boots, waterproof with good traction, usually $100 to $250
• Thermal layers, including base tops and bottoms, around $30 to $80 per piece
• Hats, gloves, scarves, winter grade accessories, roughly $50 to $150 total
• Snow tires, essential for winter driving in many regions, about $600 to $1,200 or a full set
• Ice scraper and snow brush, basic but necessary, $15 to $40
• Optional gear, such as snow pants or traction cleats, another $50 to $150

These costs can feel steep at first. The upside is that quality winter gear lasts for years when chosen well. Once you are equipped, winter becomes easier to navigate, more predictable, and far less intimidating than it seems at the start.

Tips to Remember When Moving to a Cold State

Here are some tips that you should keep in mind when moving to a cold state. These tips cover the periods before, during, and after the moving process. We’ve also thrown in some pointers about packing when moving to a cold state.

• Check the weather for your moving window. Plan buffer time.
• Confirm movers or truck are equipped for winter conditions.
• Pack a cold weather essentials bag. Keep it accessible.
• Keep documents medications and electronics with you.
• Insulate fragile items. Seal boxes against moisture.
• Use plastic bins when possible. Cardboard fails in snow.
• Dress in layers. Wear boots with real traction.
• Clear snow and ice from walkways before loading starts.
• Protect floors from slush salt and wet boots.
• Start early. Daylight disappears fast in winter.
• Keep phones fully charged. Cold drains batteries.
• Drive slower than normal. Expect black ice.
• Carry an emergency kit in your vehicle.
• Fill the gas tank more often than usual.
• Turn on heat immediately upon arrival.
• Unpack bedding and warm clothes first.

Wrapping Up

Like a lot of things, moving to a cold state comes with pros and cons. In the post above, we’ve done our best o detail both the benefits and downsides. We’ve also mentioned some cold states that you can consider moving to, as well as some tips to remember during the moving process.

It’s important to weigh both the advantages and disadvantages of living in a cold area before you make your decision. Once you’ve made the move, it can be a bit difficult to go back.